Easiest to use and read test kits ?

M4rtin · Sep 4, 2017

I'm wondering what test kits are easiest to use and easiest to read.
Some are pretty bad with color cards, and this hobby is hard enough to get started with to stress over matching color :)
I'll be getting Pinpoint ph monitor and Red Sea refractometer, so set with those.
But what about Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, Alkalinity and Calcium ?
Are Hanna ones worth getting ?

leepink23 · Sep 4, 2017

I really like my hannah ulr phosphate and alkalinity checker! I use red sea pro for nitrates.

Orm Embar · Sep 5, 2017

I have tried several brands, but most recently API, Elos, and Salifert. I liked https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...s-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-4 as a reference.

Elos's kits are pretty easy to use, but Salifert is distinctly easier for me to read. I use Salifert for alkalinity and magnesium; I will also use Salifert for Calcium when my Elos kit runs out. I test nitrate/phosphate infrequently enough that I simply take a trip to the LFS where I can get an Elos or Salifert test for $1 apiece while I window shop (I use nuisance algae growth as a marker of elevated nitrate/phosphate; otherwise I assume that my growing macroalgae are consuming it as my levels were very low last time I had them tested a few weeks ago).

Kayvon · Sep 5, 2017

I find the Red Sea tests are hard to read. I'll be going with something else when these run out or expire.

cmcoker · Sep 5, 2017

Maybe get a different refractometer. The red sea has many reports of losing calibration often, like every time you use it..
I use the red sea pro kits and don't find them difficult to use.

M4rtin · Sep 5, 2017

cmcoker said:
Maybe get a different refractometer. The red sea has many reports of losing calibration often, like every time you use it..
I use the red sea pro kits and don't find them difficult to use.

Thanks will look into refractometers a bit closer than.
Thought it was a quality product coming out of RedSea, didnt even look into reviews.